Ask A Scientist© Environmental Science Archive

Author:      woodlab
I am interested in knowing why the NEWTON "experts" rarely cite any sources 
for their answers.  If these experts were to write a scientific paper would 
they completely disregard stating the sources of their information.  
Additionally, it would be nice to know the titles of these "experts."  Time 
and again I have read environmental questions that were answered either biased 
or blatantly incorrect.  One way to solve this problem would to have all 
answers supplemented with the source - and if not this, then at least the name 
and title of the expert.  I like to judge the information by the source that 
gave it -- we all know that many sources have a definite bias.  I think it is
a shame when many wrong answers are reported to elementary and junior high 
students...it is these students who have to make judgments and form opinions 
based on what NEWTON is feeding them.  It just seems that sourcing your 
information is nothing more than scientific etiquette.

Response #:  1 of 3
Author:      jade hawk
In general I agree, but it really depends on the nature of the question.  I 
include sources when appropriate.  It is not appropriate for questions I can 
answer off the top of my head or that are general information.  As for who 
these experts are, scientists' biographies are under AskAScientInformation

Response #:  2 of 3
Author:      mortis
Ah, good point.  I try to give sources when possible, but sometimes I just 
shoot my mouth off.  Controversy and debate are good for science.  I certainly 
hope no one accepts the opinions offered here as gospel, attaching undue 
authority to our often hasty replies.

Response #:  3 of 3
Author:      rtopper
Some I was a n early advocate of responders citing sources.  But you have to 
realize that (1) some answers to questions are so well known as to constitute 
what I would call "common knowledge," (although a source is still very helpful 
to those who are asking the question to go and read more about it), and (2) 
many of us volunteers are not sitting comfortably in our offices with a stack 
of books piled around us.  I log on as I can, when possible, and answer 
questions as I am able.  When I see one I do not know off the top of my head, 
I print it out locally and take it to my office, where I look up the answer 
and come back later (maybe several days later) to answer it.